Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts. This procedure generally improves the self-image and confidence of patients.

CANDIDATES

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are in good overall health and desire the procedure for their own reasons rather than to meet the ideals of others. Breast augmentation candidates may desire to enhance their breasts because they have one or more of the following conditions:

Naturally small breasts

Breasts that have lost volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss

One breast that is significantly smaller than the other

CONSULTATION

During your initial consultation, Dr. D’Amore will listen to what your desires are and evaluate you to help determine the best options to meet your individual needs and goals. Together, you and Dr. D’Amore will decide on which implant type, incision location, and implant placement plane will be used for your procedure based on your particular anatomy and degree of enlargement desired. Occasionally a breast lift (mastopexy) is necessary to surgically elevate the nipple/areolar complex.

BREAST AUGMENTATION OPTIONS

IMPLANT TYPE

Silicone: an outer silicone shell filled with silicone gel. The implants available are cohesive silicone gel (“gummy bear”) with a smooth or rarely textured outer surface.

Saline: an outer silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Saline implants are rarely used now because of the superiority of silicone gel new generation implants. According to FDA recommendations, they are the only implants that can be used in patients aged 18 to 22 years.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Submuscular: or biplane under the breast tissue and partially under the pectoral chest muscle.

Subglandular: under the breast tissue but over the chest muscle.

Subfascial: Under the breast tissue and the thin fascial layer that covers the pectoral chest muscle.

FAT GRAFTS

Occasionally a patient’s desired volume can be achieved by transferring fat taken from another part of the body to the breast using very small incisions

PROCEDURE

Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed with the patient under a light general anesthesia in our state-of-the-art AAAASF-accredited surgical facility. After Dr. D’Amore makes the incisions and creates the pockets, he inserts the implants using a “no touch” technique and then closes the incisions with sutures.

RECOVERY

After the procedure, your breasts will be lightly bandaged, and you will be closely monitored in our recovery area. Dr. D’Amore uses a long lasting local anesthetic administered with a pain pump to provide pain relief up to three days after the surgery. Medication will also be prescribed to alleviate any pain and discomfort. Most patients return home after a few hours and can return to work about a week after surgery. Breast augmentation patients should refrain from strenuous activities for at least two weeks and wear a soft compression bra for approximately four weeks to help reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Dr. D’Amore will give you further specific instructions to follow after your breast augmentation surgery.

COSTS

The total cost for a breast augmentation differs between patients depending on the amount of correction needed and the type of implant used. During your personalized consultation, our patient coordinator will provide you with a detailed cost sheet.

RESULTS

The results of breast augmentation will be apparent immediately, although the implants may sit high on the chest for the first few weeks until they settle into a more natural position and the swelling resolves. The enhanced breast appearance is generally permanent, although the breasts will continue to age over time and implants may need to be replaced if they are damaged or a complication develops.

If you are interested in breast augmentation in the Marin and San Francisco Bay Area, please call (415) 927-7660 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.